Just diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and wondering if you need spinal fusion? You’re not alone—and the answer is often more nuanced than you think.

In this deep dive, we break down one of the most anxiety-inducing questions patients face: “Do I need surgery?” Using insights from Dr. Kamal Woods at Vertrae®, we walk through how specialists actually make that decision—step by step.

You’ll learn:

• Why a “slipped vertebra” doesn’t automatically mean surgery
• The critical difference between a slip and true instability
• How doctors use dynamic X-rays to assess real movement
• Why physical therapy works—but has limits
• When fusion becomes the right solution
• How modern minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery has changed recovery

Most importantly, this episode helps you move from fear and uncertainty to clarity and confidence. Because the right decision isn’t based on an MRI alone—it’s based on your symptoms, your function, and your goals.

⚠️ Important: Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control or rapidly worsening leg weakness requires immediate medical attention.